SILK-WORMS. 
89 
small, a great number must perish, as they will 
contract diseases, and lose the equality they ex- 
hibited. (Chap. XII.) The worm that cannot 
eat dwindles, becomes extenuated, weak, sickly, 
and perishes under the leaf. This object, which 
appears trifling in itself, is, however, of great 
importance, and deserves unceasing attention. 
To chop the leaf for the different ages of the silk- 
worm, I make use of knives, and a variety of 
sharp tools. (Figs. 14, 15, 16.) 
I feed the worms regularly four times a day ; 
and I manage so as never to give the whole quan- 
tity at once, as stated above, because after the 
distribution of each meal it is better to observe 
if some food should not be added in different 
spots. It is sometimes good to give them a little 
food at intermediate times, as will be seen here- 
after. 
The quantity of food I have fixed, and which 
I shall again specify, is that necessary for the 
whole day. In about an hour and a half the silk- 
worm devours its portion of the leaves, and then 
remains more or less quiet. Whenever the food 
is given, care should be taken gently to spread 
and widen the small squares by degrees. If any 
of the chopped leaf should be scattered, it may 
be swept with a small broom into its place again. 
(Fig. 17.) 
Second Day . — On this day, about six pounds 
